Do You Have To Remove Snow From Fire Hydrants In Grand Rapids?

It took longer than most expected for the snow to arrive and stick to the ground but now that it's here we all have a responsibility to take care of it.

Get our free mobile app

In the city of Grand Rapids, all residents and businesses are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalk.

The city gives you 24 hours after the snow stops falling to get outside and shovel.

If you don't you can face a warning or a citation from the city.

Some people have a city hydrant in the front of their home, are they required to keep that clear of snow?

Can they also get a warning or citation for not removing the surrounding snow?

Do You Have To Clear Snow Around City Hyrdrants

The short and simple answer is NO. 

You're not required by law in Grand Rapids to keep hydrants clear of snow, ice, or tall grass but you might want to consider becoming a "Hydrant Hero"

Grand Rapids City Officials Ask For Help Clearing Snow From Hydrants

The city of Grand Rapids asks residents to "Adopt a Hydrant".

The goal is to have people that have a hydrant near them to keep them clear of snow, ice, and tall grass so that in the event of an emergency firefighters won't have to waste precious time trying to locate and access the hydrant. That precious time could be all the difference in putting out the fire and saving someone's life.

How Should You Clear The Snow

It's important to make sure you clear the snow around a hydrant that faces the street.

That is where the Fire Department would need to hook up a hose to get water.

Former Grand Rapids Fire Department Deputy Chief Kevin Sehlmeyer shared with Fox 17 how to properly clear the snow.

"We actually need them cleared out on the street side. The fire truck is going to approach on the street and the quicker we can make access, the seconds that we save may make a difference in an emergency in your neighborhood."

Why Doesn't Grand Rapids Clear The Hydrants

Former GRFD Deputy Chief Kevin Sehlmeyer also shared with Fox 17 how it's almost impossible for the Fire Department to keep all the hydrants cleared.

"We need the help of our citizens to help us clear in the City of Grand Rapids, 7,300 hydrants, That's not all, there are more than 6,000 other hydrants outside city limits that are still a part of the Grand Rapids Water System. With more than 13,000 hydrants, it's nearly impossible to clear them all."

Next time you're shoveling the sidewalk take a look around and see if you can spend a few extra minutes to make sure a fire hydrant near you is clear.

It just might save you or someone you love.